By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, June 18: The Sarawak delegation, led by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, has gained valuable insights into heritage conservation, urban management and sustainable tourism development during a visit to the iconic Fisherman’s Bastion in Budapest, lessons that are directly relevant to the formulation of the Limbang–Lawas Local Plan 2035.
According to a press release yesterday (June 17), the visit was part of the Border Cities Collaborative Exchange Programme study mission to Hungary and Austria, aimed at exploring international best practices in city planning, heritage preservation and urban governance.
Hosted by the Mayor’s Office of District I (Budavár), the delegation was welcomed and briefed by Fodor Artur, Deputy Mayor of District I (Budavár), alongside Dominik Liszkai from the Mayor’s Office Cabinet and intern Levente Kalmár.
During the briefing, officials outlined Budapest’s structured heritage conservation framework, tourism development initiatives and urban management strategies within the historic Buda Castle District.
The delegation was also exposed to how the city balances preservation with modern urban needs through effective governance mechanisms and strong stakeholder collaboration.
Members of the delegation observed how well-managed heritage assets are seamlessly integrated into Budapest’s broader economic and tourism ecosystem.
Fisherman’s Bastion, in particular, was highlighted as an example of how historical landmarks can serve as powerful tools for city branding, cultural tourism and placemaking.
The visit also underscored the importance of maintaining high-quality public spaces and pedestrian-friendly environments to enhance urban liveability while preserving historical identity. These elements, officials noted, are central to ensuring that heritage sites remain both accessible and economically valuable.
The experience is expected to inform Sarawak’s ongoing planning efforts, particularly the Limbang–Lawas Local Plan 2035, which aims to leverage the region’s cultural, historical and natural assets to drive sustainable economic growth and tourism development.
The exchange of knowledge from Budapest is anticipated to strengthen Sarawak’s approach to heritage conservation, enhance town centre planning, and support the development of distinctive, resilient and attractive urban spaces that reflect the unique identity of the state’s border regions. — DayakDaily
